UGA Livestock Officer

Job Posting Organization:
Action Against Hunger is a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to ending hunger globally. Established with the mission to innovate solutions and advocate for change, the organization reaches approximately 28 million people each year through its proven hunger prevention and treatment programs. With a workforce of around 8,990 dedicated staff members, Action Against Hunger operates in 55 countries, addressing the root causes of hunger, including climate change, conflict, inequity, and emergencies. The organization strives to create a world free from hunger for everyone, for good. Action Against Hunger USA is part of the broader Action Against Hunger International network and currently manages operations in eight countries: Kenya, South Sudan, Somalia, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia, Zambia, and Haiti.

Job Overview:
The UGA Livestock Officer will play a crucial role in leading technical support for climate-smart livestock value chains. This includes working with smallholder poultry, piggery, small ruminants, and aquaculture, where applicable. The officer will be responsible for various aspects of livestock management, including feed formulation, animal housing, husbandry practices, disease prevention, and enhancing livestock-based livelihood resilience. The position requires a proactive approach to implementing livestock-related interventions and providing technical guidance to ensure the success of these initiatives. The Livestock Officer will also engage in training farmer groups, youth, field teams, community-based facilitators, and lead farmers on climate-resilient livestock production practices, thereby contributing to the overall goal of improving security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security and livelihoods in the communities served.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Livestock Officer will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including but not limited to: leading the design and implementation of all livestock-related interventions within the project; providing technical guidance on livestock enterprise selection, husbandry practices, breed suitability, housing, feeding, disease prevention, and biosecurity measures; training various stakeholders such as farmer groups, youth, field teams, community-based facilitators, and lead farmers on climate-resilient livestock production; supporting the planning and monitoring of livestock input distribution, which may include starter stock, feed materials, equipment, or other related inputs; establishing livestock demonstration sites and facilitating practical learning activities; promoting the integration of livestock with crop production, composting, manure management, and household nutrition; collaborating with district veterinary teams and relevant government structures for technical supervision and disease surveillance; and contributing to market linkage and enterprise development for livestock products.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a degree in Veterinary Medicine, Animal Production, Animal Science, Livestock Production, or a related field. Additionally, a minimum of 5 years of practical experience in livestock programming, animal health, agricultural livelihoods, or refugee/host community programming is required. Experience in supporting smallholder poultry, piggery, goats, aquaculture, or mixed farming systems is essential. Knowledge of animal health regulations, biosecurity practices, disease prevention strategies, and livestock extension services is also necessary. Experience working with district veterinary structures will be considered an added advantage.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a degree in Veterinary Medicine, Animal Production, Animal Science, Livestock Production, or a closely related field. This educational foundation is critical for understanding the complexities of livestock management and ensuring the effective implementation of livestock-related interventions.

Experience:
The position requires at least 5 years of practical experience in relevant fields such as livestock programming, animal health, agricultural livelihoods, or working within refugee or host community settings. This level of experience is essential to ensure that the Livestock Officer can effectively lead initiatives and provide the necessary technical support to various stakeholders involved in livestock production.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is likely essential given the international nature of the organization. Additional local languages may be beneficial for effective communication with community members and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The job posting does not specify the contract duration, seniority level, or whether the position is full-time or part-time. However, given the nature of the role and the organization, it is likely a full-time position focused on international development and humanitarian efforts. Compensation and benefits details are not provided in the job description.